While a big creamy, cheesy serving of macaroni and cheese won't solve the government shutdown, it can be comforting.

As the federal shutdown marches on with no end in sight, several local restaurants are pitching in with free meals or offers to help furloughed workers.

At Union Joints restaurants (Clarkston Union, Fenton Fire Hall, Honcho, Union Woodshop and Vinsetta Garage) they are dishing out “Most Macked Mac” for furloughed workers and a family member with a federal ID.

“We are in an industry that lives guest check to guest check,” said Curt Catallo, co-owner of Union Joints restaurants. “We can imagine what it’s like to go without a paycheck.”

The free mac and cheese is available on Mondays and will continue to be offered, Catallo said, until workers start getting paid.

"It’s called comfort food for a reason, and if it can help them a little bit on a Monday like that we are happy to assist,” Catallo said.

On Monday, the first day of the promotion, Catallo said employees worked a double shift to make enough mac and cheese. He didn't say how many took advantage.

Downtown Louie's(Photo11: Downtown Louie's)

Adrian Gjokaj, managing partner of Downtown Louie’s in Detroit, said the restaurant is providing a free meal (soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta) to federal employees affected by shutdown from 2-6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

“They take care of us, we should take care of them,” Gjokaj said. The promotion started last Thursday, and Gjokaj said they’ve had people come by.

Downtown Louie’s posted the promotions through social media.

Gjokaj said Downtown Louie’s proximity to federal court and other government agencies means they do get a decent number of federal workers as customers. Business, he said, has dropped off a little because of the shutdown.

Providing a free meal, Gjokaj said “is Hospitality 101.”

“It’s part of being Albanian and our hospitality,” Gjokaj said. “We open our doors to anybody. Back in the day, if someone came by and knocked on your door, as an Albanian, you let them in and give them a warm meal and let them stay as long as needed. “

Free bread

Grand Blanc’s Great Harvest Bread Company is holding what is called "shutdown shelf." It’s where, according to their Facebook post, government employees not receiving a paycheck can get a free loaf of bread. The free loaves are while supplies last and at the Grand Blanc location only.